Indian Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Narwane on Thursday met Nepali General Purna Chandra Thapa to improve bilateral relations with the rest of the neighbors between China and Tanatani on the border.
The army chiefs of the two countries discussed increasing cooperation and friendship between the armies of India and Nepal. For the past few months, relations between Nepal and India were strained on the border dispute and in such a situation, General Narwane’s visit is being considered as an important step towards normalizing the relationship.
General Narwane, who arrived in Kathmandu on a three-day visit, held talks with the Nepalese Army Chief Thapa to increase bilateral interests and deepen the existing friendship between the armies of the two countries. He also talked about the history and role of Nepal Army during this period.
Earlier, Narwane also visited the Nepal Army Headquarters, where he was given the Guard of Honor. He also planted a nut plant in the headquarters premises. He also visited cultural sites in Kathmandu.
After reaching Kathmandu on Wednesday, General Narwane and his delegation also visited the Basantpur Durbar Square area to worship Goddess Kumari. Given the growing influence of China in the region, General Narwane’s visit to Nepal is considered to be an important link for India to revive relations with Myanmar, Maldives, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Afghanistan.
During this visit, General Narwane also presented medical equipment for two field hospitals of the army of the neighboring country. These include X-ray machines, ventilator video endoscopy units used in ICUs, anesthesia machines and ambulances.
According to the Indian Army, additional ventilators have been provided to combat the corona virus. At the same time, Nepal presented India with one lakh medical masks and a statue of Lord Buddha as a symbol of peace.
The President of Nepal, Vidya Devi Bhandari, is also going to honor General Narwane with the title of General of the Army of Nepal. On Friday, the last day of the visit, the Army Chief will meet Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who is also the country’s Defense Minister.
Prior to General Narwane’s visit, RAW chief Samant Goel accompanied his delegation to Nepal on a confidential visit last month. During this time he met Prime Minister Oli.
